Root Canals Specialist

Inspiring Smiles

General, Cosmetic, & Periodontal Dentistry located in Cumming, GA

You may have needed a root canal for quite some time now, but have been putting it off because this procedure gets a bad wrap as being extremely painful. With today’s technology, root canals are practically pain-free, and their recovery times are shorter, too. For more information about root canals and to see if you’re a candidate, speak to the staff at Inspiring Smiles in Cumming, Georgia. They’ll get you set up with an appointment. Or, schedule your visit with the online booking tool.

Root Canals Q & A

What is a root canal?

A root canal is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. While the words “root canal” sometimes make people shudder, there’s really no reason to be worried. Treating a damaged or diseased tooth will ultimately make you much more comfortable, and today, the procedure is as painless and quick as possible, making your mouth pain-free and healthy again.

Inside of your tooth, beneath the white enamel and hard, protective layer of dentin, is a soft tissue referred to as pulp. Inside of the pulp resides nerves and connective tissue, which help grow the root of your tooth during its development. The pulp or pulp chamber is the soft area within the root canal; this is where the root lives. A root canal removes the pulp where an infection is present.

How do I know that I need a root canal?

Well, you won't know for sure until you see your dentist at Inspiring Smiles. However, there are a few tell-tale signs that a root canal might be in order, including:

Severe toothache pain upon chewing or application of pressure

Swelling and tenderness in nearby gums

Discoloration (darkening) of the tooth

A persistent or recurring pimple on the gums

Prolonged sensitivity (pain) to hot or cold temperatures

In some cases, none of these symptoms will be present, and your dentist or hygienist will find that you require a root canal during a standard evaluation.

What happens during a root canal procedure?

During a root canal, the pulp of the tooth is extracted and the infection below the gum is cleared out. A filling or crown will be placed over the tooth to protect it. Your dentist treats the area to ensure that the surrounding tissues do not become infected.

A fully developed tooth can survive without the pulp because the tissues surrounding the tooth continue to nourish it.

How does the infection get cleared out?

You get a root canal when the root of your tooth is badly decayed or infected. Bacteria will be carefully removed from the canals of the tooth, and a cleaning-out process is accomplished using root canal files. A series of canal files are used and placed into the access hole your dentist makes at the beginning of the procedure. The files are then worked down the full length of the tooth’s root, cleaning the sides of the root canals.

What happens after the procedure?

Root canal therapy should relieve the pain you’ve been feeling in and around the tooth. But, if a temporary crown has been put into place, your dentist will suggest that you avoid chewing on that side of the mouth. This helps to not contaminate the tooth’s interior and may also prevent a fragile tooth from breaking before it has been fully restored.

It should be noted that the first few days after a root canal can be uncomfortable. As the numbing agents wear off, your tooth and mouth may feel sensitive. Tissue inflammation is natural, especially if pain or infection were present before the procedure. Control this discomfort with standard over-the-counter pain relievers. Patients usually return to their normal activities the next day.

If you think you may be in need of a root canal or would like more information about this procedure, contact Inspiring Smiles. They will make sure that your mouth is comfortable again in no time. Call or go online to schedule an appointment today.